2023 BMW R 1250 RS First Look
Two weeks ago, BMW announced updates to its R 1250 R roadster. It’s not a big surprise, then, that many of those same updates are coming to the R 1250 RS. And just like the roadster, the updated 2023 R 1250 RS remains at the same MSRP as 2022: $15,695.
Visually, the 2023 BMW R 1250 RS doesn’t look much different from last year’s model. Apart from the new color options, the most discernible difference is the 2023 model’s new LED turn indicators. The bodywork and the chassis are otherwise exactly the same.
Just like the roadster, the faired RS will receive Dynamic Traction Control, BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, and Dynamic Brake Control as standard equipment instead of being optional add-ons.
The RS likewise gains a new ECO mode, joining the returning Ride and Rain modes. In ECO mode, the ShiftCam system optimizes fuel economy and range by adopting a soft throttle curve with moderate engine torque limitation.
The TFT display offers a “Sport” mode that provides real-time data about the R 1250 RS’ electronic interventions and lean angles.
BMW offers a number of accessories for the R 1250 RS. The optional heated seats and grips feature a new operating system that offers five levels of heating compared to the previous two. A heated passenger seat also offers two levels of heating, operated by a switch at the bottom right of the seat.
Also new is the optional tubular handlebar. Compared to the standard bars, the accessory positions the grips higher and wider, and with less of a sweeping angle, resulting in a more relaxed and upright riding posture. Other new accessories include a solo seat with color matched pillion seat cover and Option 719 spoke wheels.
The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS gains a new Light White non-metallic paint option with a black frame that replaces the previous Black Storm Metallic color. The 2023 range also sees the Style Sport Light White non-metallic with Racing Blue Metallic and Racing Red details, a Light White non-metallic frame shown in the pictures above, as well as a Triple Black option of Black Storm metallic paint and Agate Grey frame. It also conveniently says “Triple Black” across the bodywork so you can correct people who say it’s just “black”.
The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS arrives in U.S. showrooms in Spring 2023.
2023 BMW R 1250 RS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 2-cylinder, 4-stroke boxer engine with two overhead, spur-gear driven camshafts, counterbalance shaft |
| Capacity | 1,254 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 102.5 x 76.0 mm |
| Power | 136 hp at 7,750 rpm (claimed) |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm (claimed) |
| Max. Engine Speed | 8,750 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| Valvetrain | BMW ShiftCam variable intake camshaft control system, four valves per cylinder |
| Intake / Exhaust Valve Diameter | 40 / 34 mm |
| Throttle Body Diameter | 52 mm |
| Engine Control | BMS-O, electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle |
| Emission Control | Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU-5 |
| Alternator | Three-phase 508 watts |
| Battery | 12 volts / 12 Amp-hours |
| Headlamp | Full LED with daytime running light |
| Starter | 900 watts |
| Clutch | Hydraulically operated, anti-hopping wet clutch |
| Gearbox | Constant-mesh, 6-speed with helical-cut gears |
| Primary Ratio | 1.65:1 |
| Gear Ratios | I – 2.438:1 II – 1.714:1 III – 1.296:1 IV – 1.059:1 V – 0.943:1 VI – 0.848:1 |
| Secondary Ratio | 2.818:1 |
| Final Drive | Shaft-drive |
| Frame Construction Type | Two-section frame, main frame with bolt-on rear section and load-bearing engine |
| Front Suspension | 45 mm upside-down telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Cast aluminum swingarm with BMW Paralever, WAD travel-dependent spring/shock, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand knob, adjustable rebound stages by hand knob, optional Dynamic ESA Next Generation; 5.5 inches of travel. |
| Rake / Trail | 27.7° / 4.4 Inches |
| Front Brake | Twin 320 mm floating disks, 4-piston radial calipers |
| Rear Brake | Single 276 mm disk, 2-piston floating caliper |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro |
| Traction Control | BMW Motorrad DTC |
| Front Wheel | 3.5 x 17″ cast aluminum |
| Rear Wheel | 5.5 x 17″ cast aluminum |
| Front Tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tire | 180/55 ZR17 |
| Length | 86.7 inches |
| Width | 36.4 inches (with mirrors) |
| Wheelbase | 59.6 inches |
| Seat Height | 32.3 standard, 29.9 – 33.1 possible inches |
| Curb Weight | 536 pounds (claimed) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.8 gallons |
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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I always admired the RS, and finally went out and bought a lightly used one last year. In glorious metallic brown. I like it. A lot. But, I also own a Multistrada 1260S. I love it. A lot. Yet the RS has its charms. At 5'8" and well into my 60's, the RS fits me to a T, with a low-ish seat, and with the bar risers it is ergonomically excellent. The shift- cam engine is a gem, deceptively potent, if somewhat bland. Ride and handling are more grand touring than sport, and with the bags and higher screen, a fine weekender or beyond. I rode the Multi cross country last year and would do it again, it's that spacious and versatile and comfortable. And fast. Given one choice, I'd pick it every time. But the RS is a sensible, comfortable and fast sporty-ish faired road bike. I like it. https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
"It also conveniently says “Triple Black” across the bodywork so you can correct people who say it’s just 'black'."
Jesus, that looks dumb. It looks like a designer left a color note on a rendering and production reproduced it. Like if you asked a bakery to make a cake and you tell them, "Write Happy Birthday in blue", and the cake arrives with "Happy Birthday In Blue" written on it.